MOTORISTS face restrictions on a major commuter route, timed to coincide with the school half-term holiday this week.

A section of the A690 Durham to Sunderland road will be closed through Houghton-le-Spring while work takes place on lighting columns.

Traffic will be diverted off the A690 via the Dairy Lane slip road, rejoining the dual carriageway at the Houghton Cut junction, off Lake roundabout.

The restriction will apply to traffic heading in both Durham and Sunderland directions.

A Sunderland City Council spokesman said the work was scheduled for the school mid-term break to minimise disruption, when traffic volumes are at their lowest.

"The temporary closure will allow essential maintenance to the high lighting masts by the contractors, and for grass cutting and gully cleaning along the surrounds of the highway."

Diversions will be sign-posted in both directions off the Dairy Lane and Lake junctions